Portsmouth’s top walking tours cut straight to the city’s fascinating history and maritime heritage.
The 90-minute Old Portsmouth Historical Tour stands out for its expert narration and comprehensive coverage of key landmarks. Budget travelers will appreciate the Quirky Smartphone Heritage Tour – it’s self-guided and costs a fraction of guided options while covering major sites at your own pace.
We love the Portsmouth of the Past tour for its engaging storytelling and authentic insights into local life through the centuries.
For those intrigued by the supernatural, the Self-Guided Haunted Tour hits all the spookiest spots with historically accurate tales.
Let’s explore these top-rated Portsmouth walking tours in detail.
Key Points
- The “Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour” is a budget-friendly, 90-minute immersive experience covering over 900 years of history and notable figures.
- The “Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours” offer an affordable, self-guided option with an engaging app that reveals hidden gems and historical insights.
- The “Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour” is an excellent value, 1.5-hour guided excursion that covers over 2,000 years of history, including tales of local heroes and villains.
- The “Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth” is a highly recommended, budget-friendly option with a personalized experience for up to 12 participants.
- The “Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour” provides a spooky, self-paced journey through Portsmouth’s haunted sites, best explored at night.
Portsmouth: Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour
For those looking to uncover Portsmouth’s rich history, the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour offers an immersive 90-minute experience.
Priced at just $15.85 per person, this wheelchair-accessible tour allows visitors to explore over 900 years of history, from notable figures like Nelson to local legends and mysteries.
Led by a knowledgeable live guide, the 1.5-mile walk takes guests through the city’s charming old town, with insights into its diabolical past and the intertwining stories of coffee, espionage, and rogues.
With flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a budget-friendly way to explore Portsmouth’s captivating past.
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Portsmouth: Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours
Those seeking a more modern and tech-savvy way to explore Portsmouth’s storied past can opt for the city’s Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours.
These self-guided tours use a smartphone app to lead visitors on a journey through the city’s hidden gems and historical sites. With the app’s interactive features, walkers can uncover fascinating stories and insights about Portsmouth’s rich heritage.
The tours are highly rated, with a 5-star review, and offer a unique and engaging way to discover the city’s charm. At just $15.85 per person, these Quirky Smartphone Heritage Walking Tours provide an affordable and immersive experience for those looking to explore Portsmouth’s captivating history.
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Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour
Rooted in over 2,000 years of rich history, the Portsmouth: Portsmouth of the Past Walking Tour immerses visitors in the captivating chronicles of this storied city.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the 1.5-hour excursion explores Portsmouth’s evolution, from its Roman origins to its modern naval heritage.
Along the way, guests will encounter tales of local heroes, villains, and victims, as well as quirky and bizarre facts that bring the city’s past to life.
With wheelchair accessibility, dog-friendly policies, and activity books for children, this tour caters to a diverse range of travelers, offering excellent value at just $12.68 per person.
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Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour – an Infernal Den of Diabolical Demons
Departing from the more well-known tales of Portsmouth’s storied past, the Old Portsmouth Historical Walking Tour delves into the city’s lesser-known, diabolical history.
Led by a local historian, this flexible tour explores 900 years of villains and notable characters through landmarks like the medieval Round Tower.
Recommended by 100% of travelers with a 5-star average rating, the tour departs from Tesco Express and ends at The Bridge Tavern.
Wheelchair accessible and welcoming of service animals, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers at a budget-friendly cost from $16.08 per person.
Positive reviews highlight the guide’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor, as well as the informative and engaging experience.
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Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth
Providing an engaging and informative exploration of Portsmouth’s rich history, the Guided Walking Tour of Portsmouth offers participants an immersive experience.
Rated 5.0 out of 104 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the city’s hidden gems.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour highlights influential figures and events, delivering a balance of fun and education.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers.
With a maximum of 12 participants and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this budget-friendly tour provides an excellent value at just $12.86 per person.
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Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth (APP/GPS)
Offering a captivating exploration of Portsmouth’s haunted past, the Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour allows visitors to uncover the city’s supernatural secrets at their own pace.
Equipped with a smartphone app and GPS, participants can embark on a 50-review-rated journey, visiting key sites like the Old Red Light District and African Burial Grounds.
The tour, available daily until 2025, provides an audio-guided experience, ensuring an informative and immersive exploration.
Though some users faced technical challenges, the majority praised the self-paced format, which avoids the hassles of large groups.
For the spookiest experience, participants are advised to explore the tour at night, when the city’s ghostly tales come to life.
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The Portsmouth Naval History Private Guided Walking Tour immerses participants in the city’s rich maritime legacy, offering a captivating exploration of its shipyards, historic vessels, and iconic landmarks.
Rated 5.0 out of 1 review, this 2.5-hour tour departs from Southsea Castle and concludes at Gunwharf Quays.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide, Lillian, brings the city’s naval history to life, providing insights into its storied past.
The tour is accessible, with wheelchair and stroller access, and includes bottled water, with coffee and tea available upon request.
Priced at $33.44 per person, the tour offers a budget-friendly way to discover Portsmouth’s naval heritage.
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Gardens of Portsmouth Walking Tour
Nestled among Portsmouth’s historic landmarks, the Gardens of Portsmouth Walking Tour invites visitors to enjoy the city’s lush, verdant spaces.
Starting at 10:30 am, the tour takes participants on a guided exploration of the city’s picturesque gardens, with an expert guide providing insights and historical context along the way.
With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience.
While the tour has received a single negative review, the overall accessibility and inclusions, such as gratuities, make it a budget-friendly option for those seeking to discover Portsmouth’s natural beauty.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
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Private Walking Tour of Portsmouth
A private walking tour of Portsmouth provides an immersive glimpse into the city’s captivating military and naval history.
Lasting 2 hours, this guided experience costs $31.70 per person and is available in English and Spanish.
Explore iconic landmarks like the Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf, and the cathedral, while learning about the city’s role during World War II.
Enjoy stunning seaside views of the English Channel and engage with the area’s fortifications and memorials.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, family-friendly, and allows pets.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a budget-friendly way to discover Portsmouth’s rich heritage.
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Break Down
Portsmouth offers a wealth of walking tour options to suit various interests. From historical tours exploring the city’s past to quirky smartphone-guided routes, there’s something for all. Whether you prefer a private guided tour or a self-guided haunted adventure, Portsmouth’s walking tours provide an engaging and budget-friendly way to discover the city’s rich heritage and hidden gems.